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$130 Cheap Flights from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN)

View $130 flight on Mon, Oct 12, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Columbus to San Diego (CMH-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $130 for one-way flights and $248 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Tue, Oct 6
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$248 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$248
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $248 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$258 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$258
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $258 found 3 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$268 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$268
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $268 found 4 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Wed, Sep 30
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$288 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$288
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 26 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $288 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Fri, Nov 6
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$288 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$288
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 2 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $288 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Thu, Dec 10
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$293 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$293
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Thu, Dec 10, priced at $293 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 9 - Tue, Oct 13
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$293 Roundtrip, just found
$293
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $293 just found
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$298 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$298
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $298 found 3 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Fri, Nov 6
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$298 Roundtrip, just found
$298
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $298 just found
Delta
Fri, Oct 9 - Tue, Oct 13
CMH
Columbus
SAN
San Diego
$303 Roundtrip, just found
$303
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Columbus to San Diego, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $303 just found

Alternative airports near San Diego

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl. TIJ. Average driving time to city center is 26 minutes. Flights from $1,048
TIJ
General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl.
Average driving time to city center26 min
Flights from $1,048
Select flight to McClellan-Palomar CLD. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 38 minutes. Flights from $394
CLD
McClellan-Palomar
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center38 min
Flights from $394

What you need to know for your flight from John Glenn Columbus Intl. to San Diego Intl.

Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Travel from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN) with a range of airlines offering convenient options for your journey. Whether you prefer full-service or budget carriers, you can easily compare choices to find the best fit for your schedule and budget. As you plan your visit to explore San Diego's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, be sure to check the essential details for flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport to San Diego International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,000 miles (3,220 km)
  • Flights per week: around 25+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$485, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Columbus to San Diego, favored for both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers experience popular layovers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with an approximate 1 hour and 15 minutes layover, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with about a 1 hour and 30 minutes layover. You can easily compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to find the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $120 and $515. It represents about 33% of the departures along this route, featuring an average flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known as a low-cost option, Southwest offers non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $130 to $500. It covers roughly 29% of the departures for this route, with a typical in-flight duration of 6 hours, leading to a total journey time of around 7 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $140 and $495. It accounts for approximately 19% of flights on this route, featuring a flight time of 6 hours and an overall journey time of about 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
  • United: This full-service airline offers both non-stop and one-stop travel, with one-way fares generally ranging from $135 to $605. United makes up about 16% of the departures on this route, with an average flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of roughly 7 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Frontier provides one-stop service, with one-way fares usually ranging from $120 to $370. It constitutes around 2% of the departures for this route, featuring a flight time of 6 hours, amounting to a total journey time of approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Columbus to San Diego can upgrade their tickets for a more comfortable journey. Delta provides first class and premium economy options, while United and American Airlines also offer first class service for an enhanced flying experience.

Best time to fly from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbus to San Diego are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Diego reach up to 60.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 72.3°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $230. Flight availability peaks in September, October, and November, with approximately 31 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. April has the fewest flights, with approximately 21 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $230, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: April, November, and August typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $233 to $250.
  • Most flight options: September, October, and November have the highest number of flights from Columbus to San Diego, with approximately 31 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January57.4°F (14.1°C)High22$252
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Average22$260
March58.1°F (14.5°C)High30$259
April60.6°F (15.9°C)High21$233
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Low23$279
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Low24$301
July70.5°F (21.4°C)Average30$283
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Low26$250
September72.0°F (22.2°C)Average31$259
October68.2°F (20.1°C)Average31$230
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Average31$241
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Average29$272

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative route from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN)

  • Columbus to Carlsbad (CMH-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is located approximately 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally fall between $90 and $380, varying with the season and the timing of your booking. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and multiple-stop flights, with most connections routed through Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). American Airlines is the leading carrier for this journey, and first-class service is also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbus to San Diego is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) tend to be less expensive, although morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday often offers lower prices, while Sunday remains the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find San Diego hotel and flight deals.
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at San Diego International Airport from John Glenn Columbus International Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from Columbus with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach San Diego efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Diego, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from San Diego International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at San Diego International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From San Diego International Airport, Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Middletown Station, a metro station, is approximately 2.3 miles from the airport and typically reached by car. Additionally, B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, is about 3 miles away by car, offering further travel options for visitors.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $130 and cheap return flights from $248 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $177 to $1252, and return flights typically cost between $330 and $1258. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH) to San Diego, CA (SAN), with average return fares around $344. This is about 17% lower than the average price throughout the year, as January typically sees a drop in travel demand after the holiday season. Other cheap months to fly from Columbus to San Diego include February and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Enter CMH to SAN and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Columbus, OH (CMH) to San Diego, CA (SAN), with round-trip tickets starting from around $650. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Columbus, OH (CMH) to San Diego, CA (SAN) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines offers the most daily flights from CMH to SAN, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN) is typically in January or February. Average return flight prices hover around $344, making these months quite affordable. January offers a fresh start to the year, while February is great for enjoying mild weather in San Diego, making both months excellent choices for your trip.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH) to San Diego Intl. (SAN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Columbus, Ohio (CMH) to San Diego, California (SAN) typically leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in March and April, allowing you to enjoy a full day in sunny San Diego. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 36% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to arrive in San Diego with plenty of time to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from CMH to SAN takes around 4 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,961 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 2 hours 40 minutes longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for CMH to SAN flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How do I earn miles on a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for San Diego from John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH)?
From John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) to reach San Diego. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Midway Intl. (MDW) before reaching San Diego. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) San Diego Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
If you booked your Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

0
Origin airport
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$248
Distance
1960 mi

Book with confidence

Columbus to San Diego Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Columbus to San Diego

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Columbus to San Diego are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Columbus to San Diego with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Columbus to San Diego

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbus to San Diego: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Columbus to San Diego

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Columbus to San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $130 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Columbus to San Diego flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Columbus to San Diego airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Columbus to San Diego Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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